Best Hard Rock Hotels in Florida

Founded on the belief that music makes people feel good, the Hard Rock Hotels group – which boasts... READ MORE

Founded on the belief that music makes people feel good, the Hard Rock Hotels group – which boasts 24 hotels, excluding the 17 outposts currently under construction – has been infusing hospitality with a hearty dose of rock 'n' roll since 1971. The company says that its existence in the travel sphere originated out of necessity: Hard Rock guests love to play hard, but as the festivities die down and the sun rises, even rockers need a place to crash. These distinguished hotels – with their themed decor, fine dining facilities, dazzling casinos and in-house night clubs – strive to provide the ideal after-hours locale. Plus, every time you stay at one of these upscale properties (found everywhere from Asia to the Caribbean), you can rack up points through the Hard Rock Rewards program. The 14 Hard Rock properties that made the U.S. News Best Hotels in the USA, Best Hotels in Europe and Best Hotels in Mexico rankings lists appear below.

Of course Orlando has a Hard Rock resort; this brand is almost a theme park in and of itself. The resort proudly touts more than $1 million worth of music memorabilia from the likes of Elton John, Elvis Presley and Eric Clapton – and that's just the short list. And while you're here, you can create your own music thanks to the Sound of Your Stay program, which allows you to borrow a Fender guitar (plus amps and headphones) for the duration of your stay. Though the property offers its own forms of nightlife, a stay here will also put you within walking distance of the restaurants and clubs found at Universal's CityWalk Plaza. Lodgers vouch for the star-quality treatment that you'll receive in the resort; however, others lamented the expensive rooms and amenities. Accommodations all feature iHome clock radios, Keurig coffee makers and flat-screen televisions. And for an extra dose of R&R, plan on relaxing poolside in a cabana while the kids are kept entertained at Camp Lil' Rock. For most travelers, the best part of staying in the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando is being near the city's best activities. You can walk to Universal's Islands of Adventure and the Universal Orlando Resort.

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is about 10 miles southwest of Fort Lauderdale Beach in Hollywood, Florida – a fair distance from the ocean. But despite a lack of the busy shores, this sprawling complex is sure to keep you entertained: The casino keeps guests on their toes, and the six on-site restaurants, which serve everything from Chinese- and Vietnamese-inspired cuisine to dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood, are sure to appease a variety of tastes. And with a spa, a self-guided music memorabilia tour and a lagoon-style pool, the resort offers plenty of options for those looking to steer clear of the casino floor. That said, some travelers do complain about the tight security detail throughout the property and the cigarette smoke smell that permeates along the gaming floor. Should you need a break from high rolling, the contemporary guest rooms provide a quiet respite. Accommodations are appointed with minibars, flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations and the brand's hallmark Hard Rock musical accoutrements, such as loaner guitars.

"Niche" is an important word to remember when considering a stay at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. For instance, there's probably too many whirring slot-machine lights and casino-floor ambiencefor either families or business travelers to be truly comfortable at this hotel. However, many of the younger crowds that have passed through this Hard Rock property were more than pleased. In addition to praising the friendly staff, previous guests speak well of the gorgeous rooms. All accommodations come with flat-screen TVs, docking stations compatible with iPad and iPhones, coffee makers and Egyptian cotton sheets. But if you have the money to burn, considering booking the Spa King Room to enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows and an oversized bathroom with a jetted tub. While here, you'll also have access to the hotel spa, the pool and the property's various nightlife venues, not to mention a long list of dining options. Recent travelers warn that the hotel's pool is under renovation, which was a disappointment. Staying at this casino hotel puts you less than 7 miles southeast of Tampa's Busch Gardens and 7 miles northeast of the Florida Aquarium.